1
as in misrepresents
to give a misleading impression of
his bright smile belied his actual mood, which was really one of great sadness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refutes
to prove to be false
the latest information belies the old theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conceals
to keep secret or shut off from view
the security council issued false assurances that belied the true gravity of the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of belies
The movie tells the story of Balram (Adrarsh Gourav), a successful entrepreneur whose career belies his impoverished beginnings.
—
James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Apr. 2026
In his Saturday Night Live debut, Colman Domingo cements himself in that rarified class of novices whose technical lack of experience belies a natural understanding of stage gravitas and sketch comedy.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2026
But his presentation sitting down during an interview belies just how extreme Sheehy really is.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Hochheiser’s disturbing story belies the myth of Florida as the golden destination for retirees in their sunset years.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
This name belies the intricacy of each species’ arrangement of parts.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
The Sudanese American artist introduced the LP with a pair of duets with Bon Iver, fusions of bedroom rap, heartfelt folk, Sunday morning soul, and future funk whose otherworldly sprawl belies their genesis in a session tied to a Travis Scott track.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026
The result is a space that very much belies its origins as a warehouse, and yet is a very artisanal version of a warehouse space, with at least as many overtly warm touches as industrial ones.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
But the formula’s drugstore price belies its sophistication.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Apr. 2026
In his Saturday Night Live debut, Colman Domingo cements himself in that rarified class of novices whose technical lack of experience belies a natural understanding of stage gravitas and sketch comedy.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2026
But his presentation sitting down during an interview belies just how extreme Sheehy really is.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Hochheiser’s disturbing story belies the myth of Florida as the golden destination for retirees in their sunset years.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
This name belies the intricacy of each species’ arrangement of parts.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
The Sudanese American artist introduced the LP with a pair of duets with Bon Iver, fusions of bedroom rap, heartfelt folk, Sunday morning soul, and future funk whose otherworldly sprawl belies their genesis in a session tied to a Travis Scott track.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026
The result is a space that very much belies its origins as a warehouse, and yet is a very artisanal version of a warehouse space, with at least as many overtly warm touches as industrial ones.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
But the formula’s drugstore price belies its sophistication.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belies
Verb
-
The front-facing exterior of the Shoreside Cottage misrepresents its nearly 2,000-square-foot size.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
31 Mar. 2026
-
To suggest otherwise is a fantasy that misrepresents the sophistication of Christian political thought during the Middle Ages – and in the present.—
Brett Whalen,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Heuermann's ex-wife refutes wrongful death lawsuit Heuermann's ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, and her daughter with Heuermann have been named in a wrongful death lawsuit that was brought by the son of victim Valerie Mack.—
Jeff Capellini,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Washington has boosted claims that attacks on Nigerian Christians by militants constitute genocide — a characterization the Nigerian government strongly refutes.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In fact, Nicky and Morgan’s middle-class respectability conceals an overwhelming existential paralysis.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The unit neatly conceals up to 20 pairs of shoes while keeping them ventilated and organized, with extra space for purses and other accessories.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Critics say the practice, which is done by both Democrats and Republicans, makes a mockery of campaign contribution limits and obscures a candidate’s real donors.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The looming canyon nearly obscures sunlight, and sinuous, layered stone reveals warm burgundy, grey, and violet striations smoothed by centuries of flooding.—
Madison Chapman,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Wall hooks catch sun hats or coats, depending on the season, and the vintage Oushak rug hides stains with its existing patina.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This party-girl persona hides a tender heart.—
E.R. Pulgar,
Pitchfork,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Belies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belies. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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